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Photos from opening night of Royal Caribbean's Columbus, The Musical! on Harmony of the Seas

In:
02 Jul 2016

Royal Caribbean's Harmony of the Seas had its first preview of Columbus The Musical yesterday, and we have photos from the premier performance.

Columbus, The Musical! is a new Royal Caribbean original production that tells the tale of Christopher’s luckless distant cousin, Marvin, on a madcap voyage to the Caribbean.

Marvin Columbus is the very, very, very, very, very distant relative of Christopher and spent his entire life ‘neath Chris’ shadow. Marvin’s disappointed nobleman father, sends him on a voyage to find his destiny. Storms, pirates, and even flying sharks – all lead Marvin to his greatest discovery; himself. Romance, adventure, and ‘happy ever after’ are on the map, as Marvin Columbus finally finds his destiny.

The musical was created in the spirit of “Spamalot” and “Something Rotten."

Royal Caribbean announces entertainment line up for Ovation of the Seas

In:
22 Mar 2016

Royal Caribbean announced the entertainment options on Ovation of the Seas, its newest Quantum class cruise ship.

Two70

Two70, a multi-level great room that seamlessly fuses entertainment and technology, will offer entertainment throughout the day.

Vistarama

Two70 features an impressive show known as Vistarama, which utilizes expansive floor-to-ceiling windows that can be set into any scene, real or imagined, by combining 18 projectors to create an ambient surface over 100 feet wide and over 20 feet tall. In addition, a troupe of six, agile Roboscreens combined with highly trained live performers, music and special effects, gives guests front-row seats to stunningly visual shows

Spectra's Cabaret

This completely original production, created by Royal Caribbean International and Moment Factory exclusively for Two70, will take the stage on Ovation.

Having first debuted on Anthem of the Seas, the show features the Maestro and his Agents of Rhythm as they invite the audience to an electric, multi-dimensional cabaret that transports them to invisible realms.

Each night, the portal opens for a limited period of time and immerses guests’ imaginations into a multimedia show brimming with kaleidoscopic sounds, effervescent colors and dazzling movement. “Spectra’s Cabaret” blends live performance and experiential cinema with music from contemporary pop culture. It creates a world seen through the lens of music and technology, all while exploring the deepest recesses of the heart. 

Main Theater

The Dream

This thrilling production chronicles the story of a man who is visited by his departed soulmate in a very special dream. His long-lost love has come to help him rediscover his passion for life and gives him the will to pursue his wildest dreams and to find love again. In his slumber, he will confront his deepest and most secret fears and journey on a rite of passage towards his eventual awakening. The unique combination of wonderful storytelling, soulful performances and spectacular production values will surprise and delight audiences time and time again. This is the biggest adventure of this man’s life, and Royal Caribbean audiences are invited to join him on a wild and audacious journey of discovery.

Live. Love. Legs.

The same highly-acclaimed creative team behind the wildly popular “Sequins & Feathers” on Quantum of the Seas has brought its signature combination of talented artists, high-energy performances and remarkable beauty, to deliver another unforgettable theatrical experience. “Live. Love. Legs” brings a collection of incredible aerial acrobatics, next-gen choreography and superb vocal performances that come straight from the Broadway stage.

Infusing all the hallmarks of the Sequins & Feathers experience, featuring lavish costumes, jaw-dropping video effects, special musical arrangements, and a dedicated group of international artists, this all-new production onboard Ovation of the Seas will reward audiences with a full sensory overload.

More entertainment options

In the ever popular Music Hall, guests are treated to the most exciting live music venue at sea, where travelers can dance till the wee hours of the morning as well as enjoy theme parties such as Groovy Town.

Two70 hosts late-night themed parties such as Twist & Shout and Fireworks Party along with the Roboshows that perfectly incorporate live performers and technology.

The DreamWorks Experience offers events and activities featuring DreamWorks Animation's popular film characters.

  • DreamWorks character breakfasts in the main dining room
  • impromptu ‘meet-and-greet’ experiences
  • photo-ops throughout the day
  • exclusive DreamWorks merchandise

The newest addition to Quantum class will officially launch in April 2016, when she departs Southampton, England for Tianjin, China on a 52-day “Global Odyssey” voyage. She will begin her first homeport sailing season in China from Tianjin in June 2016. Ovation, together with Quantum of the Seas, Mariner of the Seas, Voyager of the Seas and Legend of the Seas, will make up the largest fleet of any cruise line sailing in China.

Video: Royal Caribbean spotlights one of a kind performances with entertainment at sea

In:
12 Jan 2016

Royal Caribbean is committed to providing an expansive and unmatched array of multidimensional entertainment found only on Royal Caribbean. Jaw-dropping, Broadway-style entertainment and unique programming featuring spectacular ice skating, diving and aerial performances wow guests on their cruise adventure.

Royal Caribbean announces entertainment line up for Harmony of the Seas

In:
12 Jan 2016

Royal Caribbean formally announced the entertainment line up for its brand new third Oasis class ship, Harmony of the Seas.

Royal Theater

Harmony of the Seas will feature two headline shows for guests to enjoy in the Royal Theater that can accomodate 1,380 guests.

Grease

Harmony of the Seas will offer guests the musical classic, Grease, which has been specially adapted by Royal Caribbean Productions. It will boast original choreography, costumes and aerial elements set to amaze the most seasoned theater goers. 

Featuring a soundtrack of crowd favorites such as “Summer Nights,” “Greased Lightnin’,” “Look at Me, I’m Sandra Dee,” “Born to Hand-Jive,” “Beauty School Dropout” and more, guests will follow the romantic twists and turns of Sandy and Danny as they navigate the tricky social waters of Rydell High School while keeping their reputations – and relationship – together.  

Columbus, The Musical!

An original Royal Caribbean production created in the spirit of “Spamalot” and “Something Rotten,” the story recounts the imagined history of Marvin Columbus, Christopher’s fictional, down on his luck, distant cousin. 

Banished from his family’s kingdom, Marvin sets sail on a madcap voyage of discovery in the hopes of claiming his own place in history. Unforeseen romance and a “happily ever after” story are on the map as Marvin Columbus crashes into his Caribbean destiny. 

A breathtaking and revolutionary set design, transporting the audience across the Atlantic to the Caribbean, will awe the entire family and adults will thoroughly enjoy the smart, nuanced humor.

AquaTheater

Harmony of the Seas will offer two shows in the AquaTheater, the distinct high diving, acrobatic performance space introduced by Royal Caribbean with the Oasis class of ships, that feature two 10-meter high platforms and the hydraulic-floored pool, the largest and deepest freshwater pool at sea, below will serve as podiums for high-diving, hair-raising aerobatics that AquaTheater audiences have come to love.

The Fine Line

A journey from extreme to extraordinary, The Fine Line is the AquaTheater redefined with high-flying feats, mind blowing stunts and physically demanding acrobatics brought to life by the world’s best extreme-sport athletes.  Designed as a 360° immersive entertainment show, revelers will be wishing for eyes in the back of their head to take in all the action happening around them.

Hideaway Heist

A dive into hilarious escapades, guests will steal some laughs and experience amazing wows with Royal Caribbean’s new comedy dive show, Hideaway Heist. This action packed comedy aqua show jumps into the world of a swanky 1950’s holiday resort where guys ‘n’ dolls take the audience on a frolicking escapade in, on and around the pool as an undercover detective, playing the part of a high-rolling vacationer, pursues a crafty burglar. Guests can expect plenty of family-friendly fun and awe-inspiring performance tricks as the staff of the Hideaway Resort solve the crime of a century.

Studio B ice skating

Royal Caribbean's ice rinks have been home to some amazing shows in the past, and Harmony of the Seas will feature world-class skaters that can perform extraordinary skills as stunning multimedia visuals, audio and state-of-the-art technology provide a sight and sound theatrical extravaganza.

1887

An original Royal Caribbean production about love and adventure that begins in Paris on February 14, 1887 at the height of the career of Jules Verne, renowned author of timeless adventure novels such as “Journey to the Center of the Earth” (1864), “Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea” (1870), and “Around the World in Eighty Days” (1873). 

Beginning their journey on the frozen River Seine, Juliet and her mysterious time traveling companion, the Tempus, travel in multiple dimensions to discover the wonders of the world, and of the heart. World-class skaters and striking technology combine in a unique way that is guaranteed to leave audiences both breathless and emotionally touched. 

iSkate Showcase

A Studio B ice show unlike any other where Royal Caribbean’s talented skaters put their best blade forward in a dazzling showcase of their very best moves set to their own favorite tunes. The cast goes rogue and anything can happen!

Fan favorite entertainment

Royal Caribbean is also adding entertainment that guests have enjoyed on other Royal Caribbean cruise ships including

Puzzle Break Escape the Rubicon

A puzzle that transports players to another world and another time where they must ESCAPE! Players will collaborate with friends, old and new, as they attempt to find the hidden clues needed to solve a collection of puzzles that will eventually unravel the mystery of the Rubicon.

With only 60 minutes of life-support, the suspense builds with every tick of the clock.  For the first time, this remarkably popular activity will take place in a dedicated space designed in partnership with ShowFX Inc., a staple for Hollywood studios’ engineering, design and fabrication of custom entertainment equipment.

Red Party

The hottest high-energy party at sea. With DJs, surprise performances, special effects and technology, this all out nightlife extravaganza is an experience not to be missed.

Stowaway Piano

The pop-up piano player, which originally debuted on Anthem of the Seas, heads to Harmony. Behind the door. Around the corner. In the elevator. By the pool. Guests never know where the Stowaway Piano will turn up next.

Royal Promenade

Guests can enjoy on its Royal Promenade some great themed nights and parades.

Totally Awesome 90s 

Harmony of the Seas debuts the evolution of Royal Caribbean’s much-loved Promenade 70s Party as the clock is pushed forward to the 90s. Guests can party it up in a new era when soundtracks are dominated by teen pop, dance-pop and the growing popularity of hip hop.  A live DJ spinning favorite 90s hits, live pop-up performances and crazy neon track suits set the stage to transport partygoers back to this totally awesome decade.

Let’s Celebrate!

When on a cruise, vacationers really don’t need an excuse to celebrate, but Royal Caribbean is giving guests one anyway with Let’s Celebrate! – the ultimate celebration of celebrations. Halloween, Birthdays, St. Patrick’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Fourth of July and New Year’s Eve will all be celebrated at once, in a wild and crazy parade that’s truly unforgettable. 

“We are taking entertainment to the next level on Harmony of the Seas with more captivating, immersive entertainment experiences than ever before,” said Nick Weir, Vice President, Entertainment, Royal Caribbean International. “The level of innovation that has gone into our latest lineup is truly mind blowing, and Harmony guests can expect the unexpected with our biggest, most awe-inspiring stage yet.”

Royal Caribbean hints at new show coming to Harmony of the Seas

In:
30 Dec 2015

Royal Caribbean Vice President of Entertainment, Nick Weir, is back at it again with hints about a new show coming to Harmony of the Seas.

For a few weeks, Weir has posted on Twitter concept art with subtle hints related to what the images could mean.

Based on the clues, it looks like there is a new show or new aspect to an existing show coming to Harmony of the Seas in the Aqua Theater.

Weir employed a similar hinting strategy in November 2015, when he hinted at which Broadway show was coming to Harmony of the Seas.

What do you think Nick is hinting at? Share your ideas in the comments!

Royal Caribbean will offer new show on Ovation of the Seas called The Dream

In:
14 Dec 2015

When Royal Caribbean's Ovation of the Seas debuts next year, guests can look forward to seeing a brand new show onboard called, "The Dream".

There is not much information yet as to what the show is about, but Royal Caribbean announced auditions for the show, which confirms its existence.

Ovation of the Seas is under construction at the Meyer Werft ship yard in Papenburg, Germany. Ovation of the Seas will be debuting in April 2016 and will be offering cruises in Asia and Australia.

Anthem of the Seas spotlight: Vistarama

In:
11 Nov 2015

Royal Caribbean's Anthem of the Seas offers a lot of things to see and do onboard, and today we are highlighting one of the more impressive visual elements on this brand new ship, the Vistarama.

What is Vistarama

Photo by Moment Factory

Vistarama is a show in Two70, where Two70's iconic floor-to-celing glass windows are transformed into a "digital canvas", where pretty much any scene, real or imagined, can be displayed on them.

Two70 is a two-deck high, multi-purpose entertainment venue is located at the rear of the ship. It features wraparound, floor-to-ceiling windows that give an amazing 270-degree view of the passing landscape.

Check out this preview of Vistarama for a good example of what this show is all about.

How does it work?

Royal Caribbean utilizes 12K resolution projects (that means it is 12 times high definition) and the result is some stunning views for guests to enjoy.

Before the show starts, the sun shields that serve as the projection surfaces are rolled down to cover the windows.

Eighteen projectors are used to create an ambient surface that is 120 feet wide by 23 feet tall, in a 5:1 aspect ratio.  This is an industry first in terms of this kind of projection technology.

The slope, curvature, and surface textures of the Vistarama system require the image content of the projections to be geometrically adapted to the circumstances. The result is a projection with a total resolution of 12,480 x 2,280 pixels and a projection size of 36 x 6 meters.

The Vistarama show content was developed by Moment Factory, while the hardware set up was made possible by Amptown System Company.

What are the Vistarama shows?

Royal Caribbean routinely offers different kind of shows throughout any given Anthem of the Seas cruise and is regularly adding new ones with each new Quantum class ship launch.

In our own experience, we have spotted these shows onboard

  • Cityscape
  • Leonardo's Dreams
  • Tropical waterfall
  • The Library
  • Moon
  • Drawings
  • Under the Sea
  • Test Pattern

Why is Vistarama worth your time?

Photo by Moment Factory

What makes Vistarama so impressive a show is the visuals that can only be found here.

Vistarama's ultra-high definition displays transform the entire Two70 space and it is one of those things you have to see to appreciate.  

Simply put, Vistarama is a stunning display that is as beautiful as it is immense in scale.  

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